After starting my career in ill-fitting, stuffy dress shirts (similar to this "before" top), I swore off collared button-downs for a while. Only in recent years did I discover how the right material or details -think pretty silk, chambray, or prints - can make these shirts stylish and fun to wear.

I got this top for 50% off thanks to Elle's
helpful sale tweeting last month, and love the plaid crested pocket
(pictured further below; possible DIY idea), contrast collar/cuffs, and textured fabric. The site
describes these shirts as chambray, but I feel the material is more like
an oxford weave. It's a good shirt for wearing un-tucked over jeans, or
to work tucked into skirts or slacks. An XS fits casually loose on me,
and the sleeves are not excessively long. Measurements of an XS: 17.5"
across armpit, 13" across shoulder, 16" across waist, 22" approximate
length, 22" sleeve length.
This custom map skirt from the talented SewPetiteGal remains one of my most special pieces. I can't wear it too much as it's such a recognizable piece - but every time I do, it manages to garner new compliments. I hope she has time in the future to open up her Etsy store again, so we can access more of her beautiful creations!

I love the versatile camel color of this J.Crew blazer, but these photos
illustrate one of my biggest issues with it. The wool and lining
are very thin, especially on the sleeves, and always looks crinkled from
the slightest arm movement. The wrinkles don't stay, but are just
present. I'm not sure if other owners of the wool schoolboy blazers have
experienced the same issue.
I wore this outfit a few weeks back on a warmer day, and have been looking for the
right tights to stretch it into another season. I'm thinking dark navy
hosiery paired with same-colored pumps will be a good alternative to the
standard black with black. Now if only I can find a shade dark enough so I won't look like a smurfette!

PS - Ann Taylor's current promo is 40% off all full-priced shoes, no code needed. For those who already own their classic "perfect pumps" (loving the seasonal dark jade in suede) and want the same comfort in a varying style, I've become a big fan the block-heeled pumps (closer photos here). They are sturdy without looking too matronly, and I'm enjoying not having to pull stuck thin heels out of sidewalk cracks.

Also, about the schoolboy blazer-- I have noticed the same issue with mine, but it's less noticeable on my navy blazer. I'm just grateful that the wrinkles don't stay. I have definitely been considering a camel colored one... but my goodness, does that color ever go on sale? haha!

Your last line actually brings up a question I have - when you get your heels stuck in cracks, does the leather ever come off/get ruined on the heel? (It's happened to me a few times) If yes, is there a way to fix it or do you just retire the shoe for good?

I've had a cobbler fix them. I tend to get the back of the heel nicked a lot. I must be a clumsy walker. It's not that pricey, about $10 or so. These block heels are great! I have stayed away from them since they remind me of the heavy heels I used to wear in the late 90's. With my scrawny calves I must have looked silly. These look very stable and fun. One of the things I don't like about thin heels is that often I get comments from male coworkers (if we are walking somewhere) about my feet hurting. They usually don't, but still I don't want it to LOOK like they do.Question: How do you keep your shirt so well tucked? Mine always bunches up.

Elissa - The cobbler can "patch" it with leather paint or something to make it look better from afar, but it never really is the same again.

Janki - Shirt tucking isn't usually an issue for me, but sometimes I've tried keeping it inside underwear or more fitted shapewear (but then you do run the risk of the top of the shapewear or undies getting pulled out above the skirt/pant waist line...eeks!).

While short, I'm not particularly petite but I simply MUST follow your blog as I am so impressed at how well everything is tailored to fit you. I really must start investing in items that do the same for me!

Funny you mention dark navy tights since I just solved the same problem! (I used to have bright blue tights from Delias...but never knew what to do with them). Forever 21 60 denier tights in navy are opaque but quite dark and classy.

That skirt is fabulous, and matching your bag to your jacket looks well-coordinated and less expected than matching it to your shoes. Love it!

I've been following your blog for a few weeks now, and I consistently adore your outfits and tailoring tips! I've gotten a bit lazy in my work attire (all of my favorite pieces seem to need a hem here, a button there, and I can't stand the thought of taking such simple fixes to my tailor when I have a perfectly good sewing machine), so this has been the perfect kick-start for me to put some thought into my outfits again :)

I feel terrible pointing out a little typo the first time I leave a comment, but it's the only one I've ever seen in your writing, and since you seem so attentive to detail and precise in crafting your entries, I thought you might like to know: "managers" ought to be "manages." Cheers!

Jean, I noticed the wrinkle issue on this jacket as well, and didn't keep mine because of it. I have 2 schoolboy blazers. One is red in felted wool from last year, and I don't see the problem; the other one is the navy jacket which comes in a different texture. No problem there either. I think this jacket looks wrinkly because of the fabric (felted wool) and the color combination. The jacket I bought (twice) both had a problem in the front - one flap had trouble laying flat, and i think they were both on the same side. I really love the color of this jacket though despite all the issues.

You are so gorgeous. I saw your video on Youtube once about styling hair into a bun and today, I happen to land on your blog page. I call it divine intervention. I will stay tune to your blog from now on. Love lots!

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